About Me
"Coop"
I’ve spent over 25 years in pastoral ministry—co-pastoring in the heart of New England with my wife, Heidi, before stepping into my current role as Executive Pastor in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Along the way, we’ve helped turn around two churches, mentor a dozen-plus pastors, and navigate more crises than I care to count (though some of them would make great plot twists in a novel).
I’m the kind of guy who is often serious, overuses metaphors in sermons, and still believes the Church—when rooted in love and truth—can be the most beautiful force on earth. I’m passionate about helping people discern God’s voice in their story and I’ve always had a soft spot for misfits, prodigals, and those trying to find hope after church hurt.
I hold a B.A. in Theology, an M.A. in Strategic Leadership, and I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Northern Seminary, researching semiotics, spiritual renewal, and the recovery journey of clergy struggling with sexual addiction. (In other words, I read too much and write papers that make most roll their eyes.)
Speaking of which—my greatest joy is my family. Heidi and I have three incredible adult children: Javan, Carter, and Saydie. A perfect day? Give me the beach, a sandcastle, a good playlist, a cigar, friends who don't take themselves seriously, and I’m all set.
Oh—and I just published my first book, Drowning in Drama: Jonah and the Drama Triangle. It’s part theology and part guide for anyone tired of living in chaos and trying to make sense of the Church's repeated failures. I write for those who want to tell the truth, live with courage, and still believe redemption is possible—even on the messiest days.
Curriculum Vitae
Academic Profile
Pastoral theologian, executive pastor, and doctoral researcher with over 25 years of ministry leadership experience forming disciples, mentoring leaders, and cultivating spiritually healthy communities. My work integrates biblical theology, pastoral formation, ecclesial ethnography, and leadership development. I specialize in the intersection of lived congregational experience, institutional power, and spiritual transformation, with particular focus on how communities embody theological convictions in practice.
My research and teaching aim to equip pastors and ministry leaders to navigate complexity, trauma, institutional pressures, and cultural change while remaining rooted in theological depth and spiritual formation.
Research Interests
- Pastoral theology
- Ecclesial ethnography and congregational studies
- Power theory and ethics
- Theological interpretations of Scripture (tropological and figural readings)
- Theosemiotics and strategic semiosis in ecclesial life
Education
Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Northern Seminary — Contextual Theology (Current Student)
Master of Arts (MASL), Life Pacific University — Strategic Leadership
Bachelor of Arts, Life Bible College East — Theology
Publications
Cooper, Jim, Jr. *Drowning in Drama: Jonah and the Drama Triangle*. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, forthcoming.
Teaching Experience
Guest Lecturer, George Fox University, Portland Seminary
Themes and Systems in Christian Theology (STHS 540)
Lecture: Local Theology
February 16, 2026
Conference Presentations
North American Ecclesiology and Ethnography Network (EENA), Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
March 19–21, 2026 (Accepted)
“Knight Claw: Neo-legalism in the Foursquare Movement and the Preferential Option of the Institution.”
Professional Appointments
Content Editor- (book reviews), Quadrum Journal (Foursquare Scholars Fellowship)
Ministry Leadership
Executive Pastor, Church on the Hill (COTH), 2022–Present
Lead Pastor, Uxbridge Foursquare Church, 2014–2021
Consultant, National Foursquare Church of Niger, 2017–2019
Divisional Superintendent, Northeast Atlantic District, 2015–2018
Divisional Superintendent, Northeast District, 2010–2015
District Advisory Council Member, Northeast District, 2010–2013
Cabinet Member, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, 2010–2012
Lead Pastor, Groton Foursquare Church, 2005–2014
Assistant Pastor, Brockton Foursquare Church, 1999–2005
Professional Competencies
- Pastoral formation and leadership development
- Ecclesial ethnography and qualitative research
- Practical and pastoral theology
- Theosemiotics and strategic semiosis
- Preaching, teaching, and scholarly writing
- Organizational leadership and change management
- Communication and relational leadership